The 19,494 square foot state-of-the-art Animal Control Facility opened in August of 2010. Animal Control is a high performance green facility with administrative office space, an adoption zone, an intake area, outdoor visiting space, quarantine quarters, staff locker rooms, a veterinary clinic and more.

DIRECTIONS

SERVICES

ADOPTION

Adoption services at the County of Summit Division of Animal Control are affordable, comprehensive and unique. Simply stated, the cost to adopt a dog is $94; while, the cost to adopt a cat is $60. The County of Summit Division of Animal Control accepts cash, checks and credit cards (i.e. American Express, Discover and MasterCard).

Flea treatments, intestinal de-worming and most all vaccinations are given to animals upon entering the facility; while, blood work, spay/neuter operations and vaccinations for Rabies are provided at the point of adoption.

To view photos of adoptable animals click here to be redirected to petfinder.com

Representatives from Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro's Division of Animal Control welcome the opportunity to speak to youth groups, civic clubs and community organizations on issues pertaining to: animal adoptions, licensing and safety. To schedule a free speaker presentation dial (330) 643-2845.

In a continuing effort to promote our services to citizens, the Division of Animal Control consistently participates in community events that promote responsible pet ownership, such as: animal adopt-a-thons, spay-and-neutering clinics, pet-friendly outdoor art exhibits and much, much more.

DOG LICENSING

According to the Ohio Revised Code (ORC), citizens who own, keep or harbor a dog more than three months of age are required to purchase a dog license on an annual basis.

For the nominal fee of $18, a dog license places citizens into compliance with the state law, provides citizens with proof of ownership documentation and the legal authorization to visit area dog parks and participate in pet-friendly community activities. All funds generated from the sale of dog licenses are used to feed, house and vaccinate abandoned animals in need.

Dog licenses must be renewed annually from December 1st through January 31st, or within 30 days of acquiring a new dog. Puppies must be licensed by the time they reach three months of age. Citizens who fail to meet these deadlines may be penalized with a $18 late fee. The transgression can also escalate to fines, legal citations and jail time.

Licenses for dogs providing assistance to disabled persons are free of charge and valid throughout the duration of the animal's life. Proof of training must be submitted with the application.

To find a missing pet, the County of Summit encourages citizens to visit the Division of Animal Control and personally view the dogs and cats being housed. In 2008, this hands-on process led to over 500 animals being reunited with their owners.

In order to redeem a lost pet, a valid form of state identification must be presented. Fees associated with providing food, housing, vaccinations must be paid in full before leaving the facility with your pet. If a citizen is redeeming a dog, a license must me purchased.

Time is of the essence when locating a missing pet. The Division of Animal Control operates under the strict policy of holding licensed animals for 14 days before evaluating the pet for adoption; whereas, non-licensed animals are evaluated after three days.

Dogs and cats brought to the Division of Animal Control are immediately examined for owner identification materials (i.e. a dog license, a name tag and/or a microchip). If ownership data is discovered, our staff immediately notifies the registered owner and the redemption process is set in motion.

Missing Pet Reports may be filed with the Division of Animal Control in person or over the phone by calling (330) 643-2845.

EVENTS

F.A.Q.

IS MY DOG ALLOWED TO RUN LOOSE?

No, dogs are not permitted to run loose. Dogs must be physically confined or restrained upon the premises of the owner by a leash, tether, adequate fence or secure enclosure to prevent escape. When outside these boundaries, dogs must be leashed and under the immediate control of some person. These conditions apply except for when a dog is lawfully engaged in hunting or training purposes and is accompanied by the registered owner. Codified Ordinance 88-360, Section 505.02. (A)

IF MY DOG DAMAGES OR DESTROYS PROPERTY, AM I LIABLE?

Yes, the owner of any dog that damages or destroys property (public or private) shall be held liable for the full value of the property damaged or destroyed. Codified Ordinance 88-360, Section 505.53 (A)

IS THERE A LIMIT TO THE NUMBER OF DOGS THAT I CAN OWN IN SUMMIT COUNTY?

Zoning restrictions limiting the number of dogs that can be owned by a citizen vary in every community. To assure that you are in compliance with the law, contact a local government representative.

AM I LEGALLY REQUIRED TO PICK-UP MY DOG EXCREMENT?

Yes, owners that allow their dogs to discard urine or excrement on any public or private sidewalk must immediately pick-up and properly dispose of such urine or excrement. Codified Ordinance 88-360, Section 505.12 (B)

ARE DOGS ALLOWED TO ENTER STORES?

The only dogs allowed to enter stores are guide dogs registered under Ohio Revised Code 955.011. No person shall take, lead or have a dog in their possession upon entering a store or covered mall except for when proceeding to a specific store or clinic for animals located within the structure. Codified Ordinance 88-360, Section 505.11 (A)

WHAT IS NUISANCE DOG?

The County of Summit defines a nuisance dog as an animal that: create offensive odors or unsanitary conditions; disturbs the peace and good order of the county by frequent and habitual barking, howling, yelping or any other unreasonably loud and disturbing noises; molests, menaces or interferes with persons in the public right of way; scatters refuse that is bagged or otherwise contained in trash receptacles; and damages any public or private property. Codified Ordinance 88-360, Section 505.05 (A 1-5)

HOW DO I REPORT A NUISANCE DOG?

Contact the County of Summit Division of Animal Control at (330) 643-2845 to report a nuisance dog not residing in the municipalities listed below:

Akron Animal Warden(330) 375-2320 or 311

Barberton Police(330) 745-2181

Cuyahoga Falls Police(330) 928-2181

Stow Police(330) 689-5700

Twinsburg Police(330) 425-1234

Richfield Police(330) 659-2831

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU SUSPECT CRUELTY TOWARD A DOG OR ANOTHER ANIMAL?

If you suspect any type of animal cruelty in Summit County contact the Humane Society of Greater Akron at 330-487-0333. A representative from the agency will investigate the issue and take the appropriate action. Reports of animal cruelty can also be made to local law enforcement agencies.